PENNSYLVANIA Castle will help provide a magical Christmas for Dorset children thanks to a £100 donation to the Toy Appeal.

Jo Peters, manager of the 18th century clifftop castle on Portland, said staff at the castle have supported the toy appeal since 2011 because they believe it is an important cause.

The £100 generously donated towards the campaign will help provide toys for underprivileged children in Dorset this Christmas.

Jo added: “We have supported various Christmas events since the castle opened as a holiday, conference, wedding and special occasion venue almost three years ago.

“We were one of the sponsors of the Weymouth Victorian Shownight on December 6.

“The Echo Toy Appeal is one of the most crucial appeals that Pennsylvania Castle is part of, and we believe the appeal is all about giving something back at Christmas time.

“While it is lovely to have a special time at Christmas, it is also important to remember those that are less privileged.”

Almost £4,000 was raised last year and thousands of new toys were donated to underprivileged children across Dorset to open on Christmas Day.

Toys can be donated to appeal bins in shops and businesses across the area.

All the gifts collected will go to children who may have suffered neglect, abuse or be living in refugees with their mothers.

Many are in the care of families who simply cannot afford to buy them something special for Christmas. The Echo offices in Weymouth and Dorchester are also accepting donations.

n We are looking for 30 businesses to donate £100 each for our appeal.

This has been amazingly successful in previous years and has been the main way that the toy appeal has been able to provide so many toys and gifts to needy children.

Each donation is gratefully received and all those donating £100 will be featured in the Echo.

To donate £100 call Debbie Hellaby on 01305 830815 or email debbie.hellaby@dorset echo.co.uk